Day 1 - Check-In, Chill Out & Cheers to the Desert

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Your first day in Indian Wells is all about slipping into arrival mode. From the moment you step into the desert, the golden light feels different—warm, calming, and endlessly inviting. Shoes might as well stay in the suitcase, because today is designed for leisure. Begin with breakfast at The Pink Cabana at the Sands Hotel & Spa, where Mediterranean-inspired plates with Moroccan influences arrive in a dining room that’s as stylish as it is delicious. Afterward, ease into a treatment at Agua Serena Spa at the Grand Hyatt Indian Wells Resort & Villas. Choose an outdoor patio room and let the soft desert breezes carry you deeper into relaxation.

By afternoon, treat yourself to a vibrant, market-inspired lunch at Baby’s Marché, a feast that captures California freshness without the early morning market hustle. Then, trade the pool for adventure at The Living Desert Zoo & Gardens, where winding botanical trails lead to cheetahs, giraffes, and desert landscapes alive with beauty. Evening sets the stage for dinner at Vicky’s of Santa Fe, a lively spot serving Southwestern cuisine paired with live jazz. And when the night calls for a little more sparkle, end at The Nest, an iconic supper club-meets-dance floor where the energy carries late into the desert evening.

Day 1 Highlights:

 

Day 2 - Fairways, Flavor & Golden Hour Cocktails

Blue sky, mountains over Indian Wells Golf Resort

Your second day is made for indulgence in motion—golf, flavors, and the kind of desert sunset that makes every sip taste better. Begin with a casual yet satisfying breakfast at It’s a Deli, a local favorite perfect for fueling the day. Then tee off at Indian Wells Golf Resort, home to the Celebrity and Players Courses, two championship layouts framed by sweeping desert vistas and mountain silhouettes. It’s not just golf—it’s an experience elevated by the desert’s serene beauty.

As the day heats up, retreat to Agave Sunset inside the Grand Hyatt Indian Wells Resort & Villas Indian Wells for a laid-back lunch with poolside views and refreshing cocktails. From there, slip into playful mode at the Desert Glow Entertainment Zone at the Renaissance Esmeralda Resort & Spa. With arcades, virtual reality, escape rooms, and duckpin bowling, it’s a whimsical escape that’s perfect between rounds of indulgence. The evening belongs to Kestrel, where Chef Richard Blais transforms classic American cuisine with modern, creative twists. Dinner here feels both comforting and elevated—a fitting finale to a day that blends sport, flavor, and fun.

Day 2 Highlights:

Day 3 - Spa Bliss, Sushi Dreams & Starry Nights

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The third day is dedicated to balance—wellness in the morning, indulgence by night. Start your morning at The Blushing Peony Wine Bar & Café, where sunlit charm and fresh, artful dishes create a graceful beginning. Afterward, sink into renewal at Spa Esmeralda at the Renaissance Esmeralda Resort & Spa. Nestled among lush garden paths, treatments here feel restorative and grounding, with every detail designed to quiet the mind.

For lunch, savor authentic flavors at Don Diego’s of Indian Wells, a beloved spot where classic Mexican dishes and margaritas flow effortlessly. The afternoon is best spent unwinding back at the Renaissance Esmeralda Resort & Spa, where the firepits glow and poolside bars invite you to sip as the desert light fades into amber. Evening brings a highlight: dinner at Nobu Indian Wells, where world-class sushi meets breathtaking views. Glamorous yet serene, it’s a dining destination that has drawn stars like Justin and Hailey Bieber. End the night with live music at IW Live inside the historic Indian Wells Resort Hotel. Founded by Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz, the venue carries a touch of Hollywood nostalgia with its modern-day performances.

Day 3 Highlights:

Day 4 - Sunrise Trails & Neon Nights

Grand Hyatt_Agua Serena Spa

Indian Wells shines just as bright at sunrise as it does after dark, making today a perfect mix of nature, leisure, and luminous fun. Begin with a morning hike through Indian Wells Canyon, where early light paints the mountains in soft pinks and golds, and the air feels crisp with desert quiet.

By midday, slow down with lunch at CAVA at the Renaissance Esmeralda, where Mediterranean-inspired flavors pair beautifully with poolside ease. Afterward, retreat to the Grand Hyatt Indian Wells Resort & Villas and rotate between the hot therapy pool and shaded cabanas—a rhythm of indulgence that feels uniquely desert.

Evening calls for soulful dining at Tía Carmen, where Chef Angelo Sosa reimagines comforting American dishes with depth and flair. Then, as night falls, experience Glow Golf at the Toptracer Range. Neon-lit targets, glowing golf balls, and playful energy transform the course into an interactive nighttime playground—a one-of-a-kind desert spectacle that runs seasonally from November through May.

Day 4 Highlights:

  • Sunrise hike at Indian Wells Canyon

  • Lunch at CAVA (Renaissance Esmeralda)

  • Daytime lounge at Grand Hyatt pools & cabanas

  • Dinner at Tía Carmen

  • Glow Golf at Toptracer Range

Day 5 - Closing the Trip in Style

Tommy Bahama Miramonte Resort & Spa

Your final day in Indian Wells is for savoring the last drops of desert magic. Begin with a morning stop at IW Coffee, a chic café where artisan lattes and desert vibes make saying goodbye a little harder. Follow with boutique shopping at The Village at Indian Wells or Rosa Boutique at Tommy Bahama Miramonte, where resort wear and curated finds capture the essence of your stay.

As the afternoon arrives, enjoy a gourmet burger and craft beer at Eureka!, a spot known for its California-inspired casual fare. For one final indulgence, head just minutes away to El Paseo Shopping District in Palm Desert, often called the “Rodeo Drive of the Desert,” where upscale boutiques, galleries, and dining complete the experience.

Evening marks the close of your journey. At Kestrel Kitchen + Lounge , elevated comfort food meets sweeping views of the golf course and surrounding mountains. End the night, and your trip, with a farewell toast at Tommy Bahama Miramonte Resort & Spa. Order their signature Grapefruit Basil cocktail and watch as the sky turns desert pink one last time—a perfect ending to a journey defined by indulgence, elegance, and unforgettable moments.

Day 5 Highlights:

 

From spa bliss and world-class golf to unforgettable dining and desert adventures, this five-day itinerary is a love letter to the art of leisure. Whether you come for romance, wellness, or simply the sun, Indian Wells reveals itself as a place where time slows, luxury flows effortlessly, and every moment feels unmatched.